2011 Junior Pan American Games Results

MIRAMAR, Fla. - Nicholls State University sophomore javelin thrower Jaimee Springer staked her claim as one of the top young javelin throwers in the western hemisphere on Sunday as the Llyodminster, Alberta, Canada native claimed fifth place at the 2011 Junior Pan American Games with a throw of 43.51 m (142 ft. 9.0 in.).

Springer's best throw of the evening was less than four feet shy of setting a new personal record, and less than three feet shy of her Team Canada teammate, Madison Johnston, who took fourth place.  Springer finished just eight feet shy of a bronze medal, which went to Daliadaz Ortiz of Puerto Rico.

Second through sixth place were separated by just 13 feet in a tight competition for runner-up honors.  However, American Avione Allgood ran away with the gold medal by establishing a new Junior Pan American Games record with a throw of 53.06 m (174 feet, 1.0 inch).

Springer's mark still places her in the top five female javelin throwers under 21 in the Western Hempisphere and continues a banner offseason campaign by the Canadian thrower.  Springer competed in both the Canadian senior and junior national championship meets and won the CALTAF javelin championship to qualify to represent Team Alberta at the Western Canada Summer Games in August.

Springer has continued to build on a successful freshman season that saw her earn All-Southland Conference honors with a second place finish at the 2011 Southland Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships.